Two murders, a party of disguised suspects, and a seaside village full of cake. Why send invitations to a party in a building which doesn't yet exist? Why plan and pay for it anonymously and insist guests come in disguise? Police Officer Crystal Clere is only mildly curious, as she has a murder to solve. And cakes to bake, romances to fix, friends and an elderly relative in need of help. When the new hall is built, and Crystal belatedly receives a party invitation, there's an opportunity to solve some of her problems. Wearing a fake moustache she's having fun and making progress, until one of the guests is murdered. Community spirit is strong in Little Mallow and everyone seems to be involved. Half are suspects – all with alibis. The many witnesses don't know what they saw. Crystal is asking, and being asked, countless questions. Who planned and paid for the party? Are they the killer? Is there a link with the first murder? Nobody is giving her answers, but she's assisted by an extremely unofficial sidekick and her friends are happy to supply far-fetched theories. Can Crystal Clere see through all the distraction to bring love and justice to Little Mallow? Patsy Collins spends her time making things up and writing them down from her home in Lee-on-the-Solent or whilst traveling in a campervan – both shared with her husband. When away she enjoys scrambling round ruined castles, visiting friends and eating cake. At home she gardens, bakes (and then eats) cakes.She is the author of several stand alone novels, the Little Mallow cosy crime series and twenty-four themed collections of short stories. Hundreds of her short stories have been published in women's magazines.
